Senate Debates AI Regulation Preemption, States Face 10-Year Rule Freeze

A major legislative debate is underway regarding federal regulation of artificial intelligence, centered on a House-passed provision in the "Big Beautiful Bill" that would impose a 10-year moratorium on state and local governments regulating AI. Critics, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Thomas Massie, argue this provision violates state rights and could enable unchecked corporate projects like AI data centers near residential areas. Senate Republicans are considering changes linking broadband funding to compliance with the AI regulation moratorium, possibly to make the provision compliant with Senate rules. Meanwhile, AI's integration into legal proceedings is advancing with the proposed Rule 707, which would subject AI-generated evidence to reliability standards similar to expert testimony, although some judicial and DOJ members express concerns about its implementation. Globally, the European Union has enacted comprehensive AI regulation since early 2024, while the U.S. has issued various federal guidelines and state-level proposals, such as New York's Responsible AI Safety and Education Act, which faces opposition from business groups fearing it will hinder innovation. Overall, the evolving legal and regulatory landscape reflects a tension between fostering AI innovation and ensuring responsible oversight at federal, state, and international levels.